The City of Folsom has once again earned national recognition for its commitment to urban forestry, receiving the Tree City USA designation for the 19th consecutive year from the Arbor Day Foundation.
This long-standing honor highlights the city’s dedication to maintaining a vibrant and sustainable urban forest. Through ongoing investments in tree care, community forestry initiatives, and policies designed to protect and grow Folsom’s tree canopy, the city continues to demonstrate leadership in environmental stewardship.
“Trees are a vital part of what makes Folsom distinctive by nature,” said city officials in the announcement. “From scenic trails to tree-lined streets and neighborhood parks, our urban forest improves air and water quality, provides critical wildlife habitat, and enhances the natural beauty that defines our community.”
Folsom’s recognition as a Tree City USA requires meeting several core standards, including the establishment of a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget, and observance of Arbor Day.
In addition to the city’s efforts, residents also play a key role in growing Folsom’s canopy. Through a partnership with the Sacramento Tree Foundation, Folsom residents are eligible to receive a free shade tree to plant at home. More information on the program can be found at SacTree.org.
As Folsom continues to grow, the city’s focus on preserving its natural environment remains strong—keeping the community green, livable, and “Distinctive by Nature” for generations to come.
Folsom’s efforts in tree preservation extend beyond routine care and into the recognition of truly exceptional specimens through its Landmark Tree Program, launched in 1996. This program honors trees and groves that stand out due to their size, species, age, historical importance, or ecological value. To date, 19 trees and groves have been formally designated as landmarks across the city.
Among these are the Natoma Company Grove at 13389 Folsom Boulevard, home to Giant Sequoias, a Tulip Poplar, and a Sycamore; an adjacent Incense Cedar at 13385 Folsom Boulevard; the Rose Frates Arizona Cypress at 409 Coloma Street; the Bradley House trees at 606 Figueroa Street, which included a now-removed Scarlet Oak and a Strawberry Tree; two large Valley Oaks at 100 Prewett Drive; and the Hensley Tree, an Interior Live Oak once located at 7109 Pine View Drive.
Other designated trees include the Aceituno Blue Oak on Caversham Way near Serpa Way; the Willow Creek Riparian Grove at Willow Creek Unit 10, Lot C; the JPA Oak Grove along the east side of Folsom Boulevard between Blue Ravine Road and Bidwell Street; the CalISO Interior Live Oak at 250 Outcropping Way; the Grover Valley Oak at 710 Sibley Street; and the Dermatology Tree, another Interior Live Oak, at 192 Blue Ravine Road.
Recent additions include the Folsom State Prison Grove at 300 Prison Road and the Oak Parkway Trail Corridor Oak Grove, both designated in November 2023. While several trees, including some from the original Natoma Company Grove and the Bradley House Oak, have since died or been removed, their place in Folsom’s arboreal history remains honored.
These landmark trees are protected under city ordinance, ensuring their maintenance and longevity. The program not only safeguards these natural icons but also fosters community pride and environmental awareness. Residents who wish to nominate a tree for landmark status can visit the City of Folsom’s Landmark Tree Program page to learn more about the nomination process.
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